Bumping this thread from 2 years ago.

Has anything changed with the new TA? With so many commuters how hard is it to get a trip with deadheads as a junior guy? Reading between the lines, it seems it isn't too hard to get pairings with a DH on one end or another.


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Yes. The change most relevant to this thread is probably that we now can apply a portion of leftover travel funds in one month to overspends in adjacent months.

There are lots of trips with deadheads in every fleet. Domestically it's not hard at all. Now getting consistent deadheads to specific locations, like your home airport is another story. But finding something to get you into the system rather than jumpseating to domicile or being able to commercial straight home from an outstation is very realistic even for new folks. Maybe not every month or in both directions all the time but not once a year either. It may require hawking open time or other massage techniques for personal schedule improvement if you're very junior.

International DHs tend to be more difficult to get when you're junior but not impossible. Usually they'll be the result of some lucky trip trading, other scheduling kung fu or a trip revision rather than holding it outright on the bid.

You're single, you can make any commute work. Live where you want to live and try it for a year. You may even decide to live in Memphis.

FedEx opened IND to mostly wall off a version of the 76 we were buying. Parts and Pilots not fleet wide compatible.
Whether it'll stay a base, who knows. Depends on the $$. There's pluses and minuses and unfortunately, Mgt is the only team doing the addition.

Plenty of good areas to live in\around Memphis. It's a great opportunity to max out some money, post year 1. Why work that hard for a lower payrate, save the efforts when the raise comes along

The really nice thing about Dallas over KC if you plan on doing a lot of DHs, 1 leg to LA, Newark, Denver, Paris, Memphis or Cedar Rapids beats the hell out of two legs for a whole lot of reasons. I used to commute out of Shreveport, getting to Memphis was easy, getting anywhere else was a pain in the a$$.

If you deviate and your new flight gets delayed/cancelled do you get all the same protections as if you were on your original deadhead?

No not at all. If you are on the scheduled you call and ask how you getting me there. If you are deviating you can lose the trip and pay but as long as you had a reasonable back up plan you won't get in too much trouble.

Deviating is just like any other commute. You need to have some SA on the weather and a sound plan with a back-up that will definitely work in practice, not just theory. You may need to leave before the scheduled DH is supposed to leave. On a two day international DH, you may need to leave on day one, travel straight to the final destination and check in a day early. The nice thing about the international flights is that it's unlikely that they will be cancelled like some domestic flights might. The downside is many markets have one flight a day which may require an early departure to ensure back-ups, depending on how the pairing is built.

If one lives in a major airline hub, obviously they will have more flexibility to cut commute days off their trip than someone who lives in a small city with only 3 flights a day to whatever airline's hub they use. Maybe those with infrequent airline service might find it's less stressful to simply commute to MEM to take the scheduled. I would contend that if they're going to do that (which probably means leaving a day early anyway), just leave that same day and go straight to where they need to be. Arguments can be made for either option.

I know there are guys out there with bad stories and some have understandably become a little gun shy. Sometimes when you find out what their plan was it becomes obvious that they rolled the bones and did it to themselves. For every one of those, there's a lot more of us that deviate front, back and mid-trip uneventfully year after year.

Many new guys seem to be getting some really bad advice during indoc. Unfortunately, it's probably coming from MEM locals who never deviate and simply perpetuate this attitude that deviating is so risky and fraught with peril that it's best to never do it. Choosing to wait until off probation to begin deviating may be a valid option for some depending on their circumstances and the DH. Sometimes it's just too damn easy and the risk is minuscule.

To me it's worth the FF miles, airline status, the chance to travel on the Japanese bullet train, take the Chunnel or go through the the Alps on the way to Milan via train. I haven't driven my car the 1 hour it takes to get to the airport in over 10 years. Sometimes I take the train, but 90% of the time it's door to door limo service which is a beautiful thing and cheaper than buying my own gas.

So - for the new folks..... before you take whatever "don't deviate" advice you're getting to heart, try to find out a little more about the person offering it. Where do they live? When did they last deviate? Have they ever missed a trip deviating and if so, what were the circumstances. Put that person's opinion in perspective and pick the brain of other crew members who deviate regularly. It's one of the best things about our schedule for a commuter - don't miss out.

This is exactly what appeals to me. My friend and my SO love playing the FF miles game, and never seem to want to use my current non-rev benefits anyway.

Also how do hotels work when deviating? If you have to commute in the day before, are you on your own for hotels? When on a normal trip can you collect the hotel points and get status, etc? I thought I heard you can with the rates Fedex pays for hotel stays.

It sounds like maybe you're currently at a company that uses commercial flights to position you also?

On a deviation, we are allowed to check-in 2-days early to any hotel in the city in question. I think most pilots try to use the scheduled hotel on our pairing for convenience but we're not restricted to that one. Any hotel we can find a room in via any normal method is acceptable. The only restriction is that we are limited to the maximum per night rate for that city published by our expense department. As long as we don't exceed that rate, our travel bank funds will cover the hotel. So when I know I'm deviating, I usually call the front desk of our scheduled hotel first and see if they're willing to let me reserve a room at the FedEx crew rate a day early. Just use the crew mastercard we all get and the charge eventually shows up in our list of expenses. Most of our hotels are pretty accommodating as long as they have rooms available. The only one I've had consistent trouble with is the Sheraton in HKG. They usually want to charge us something closer to full price for the extra night. I've been able to find a nearby hotel using Kayak when I deviate in early there.

Getting points for stays is hit or miss. From what I can see, FedEx usually gets a pretty good deal on our hotels, especially domestically, so I don't think the rates they pay factor in too often. It's sporadic enough that I don't pay that much attention. If we check-in a day early, it's pretty common for them to give us credit for that stay since we're paying with a card and then not credit us for the scheduled stay. Our training hotel for non-MEM based crews in MEM gave me credit for the direct billed 50+ nights I stayed during 777 transition (Hilton property). Some seem to be better than others but I'm not sure what luck guys are having these days domestically. Often we get the "your company's paying and it's a crew rate" so no points. Internationally Hilton and Marriott seem to be the only ones I am able to accrue the occasional points for stay with. I should probably ask more consistently. Narita Hilton always says "no" but I think the Shanghai Hilton does.

One annoying restriction is no deviation expenses allowed in the domicile city. So I can't expense my commuter hotel the day before a non-deadhead trip or any ground travel expenses in that city if they're necessary.

Thanks in advance for two questions.
1. AA site has a really great price for next month DFW to DEN for under $100. This will help out my bank for the month and make it all work. Travel has a price of over $300. From what I read, I can just book the flight on AA.com with my FedEx credit card and just need to save my receipt and boarding pass for the monthly expense report....is this correct?

2. UBER just added tipping on there phone app. I tipped the driver on my last ride. The tip amount showed up as a different charge. So 2 charges for the same ride. I assume I can claim the tip on expense report...is this correct?

Thanks again,
Postal

1. Yes. Probably non refundable at that price but good way to go. Save all receipts etc.

2. Yes. 2 charges w uber. I keep the tip at 15% or less. Uber provides 1 receipt that they email you with the grand total w tip.


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1. Yes, that is correct. I screen shot the email typically received from the airline with the confirmation, itinerary and receipt info after you book the ticket. That has always been accepted as the receipt on the expense report.

2. I don't THINK you'll have any issues with that. You could always submit an Insite to get guidance established for everyone since Uber use is so prevalent. I've seen guidance in the past limiting GT tips to 15% (can't seem to find it on Insite now). My guess is they'll tell you to input the two expenses, upload the receipt (if required) and explain the situation in the remarks.

Postal, in over 20 years at FedEx, I don't recall ever being asked for a boarding pass. Not saying you shouldn't save them for awhile, just in case, but they want the receipt. Think once I submitted a boarding pass because I couldn't find the receipt, and was told they needed the receipt.

If you want to explain the two separate charges, just put a note about it when you submit your expense report, in the comments section.

Guess I will see what happens. I tipped $5 on a $12 ride. So roughly 40% tip. I can not find anywhere, a limit on the % of tip that is allowed. I will keep it at 15% from here on out to be safe.

For the expense report, it showed as 2 separate line items. I did receive an email from Uber with both charges, with the tip clearly stated on the tip line. Total is under $25 but I figure I need to attach receipt to show the two charges for the same ride.

Doesn't help your current situation, but Lyft allows you to link both a business and personal CC, and tip/ride are charged together. No problems yet with % tip either

Boarding pass is only needed if you use your personal card...which makes sense, anytime you cancel a ticket the $$ is refunded to that card (not that far fetched to see potential abuse, and easier now with the 24 hour rule)

I just bought a non-refundable ticket, all I do is take a screenshot of the email they send me with the company iPad and the upload that and I've yet to receive a question.

JL was a more generous soul, the company standard tip springs out of the Christmas meal (imo) and way back JL mentioned 20% as the std.

Cost cutting being what it is, I've seen the 15% mentioned in the not too distant past.

I still tend to tip 20%, but haven't used Uber since the change and there's been mire than 1 Uber driver I wouldn't want to tip 20%

Kronan,
1. Need a receipt/boarding pass any time you purchase a ticket straight from the airline using a credit card, company issued card or your own personal card. Why anyone would use their personal card escapes me, especially since the CBA directs us to use the company card for deviation expenses.

2. What is the "24 hour rule"?

Even non-refundable tickets can be refunded within 24 hours of their purchase.

I've used a personal card a number of times over the years. No boarding pass requested, no problem.

Sure, there are reasons to use a personal card. For example, I bought a super saver ticket to Europe months ahead of time. Thought I could do it in conjunction with a FedEx trip, and was able to, and filed for reimbursement. But I couldn't use the corporate card so far ahead of time, what trip could I associate it with, three months out? You may know you're going to take a trip, but you don't have a FedEx trip assigned yet.

I've asked them what I should do,and there's no answer. Also, what if you already paid for a trip on your personal card, and then unexpectedly got a FedEx trip in conjunction? As long as you are honest and keep receipts, it's fine.

In this case you would have to put it in as an OOPE. How else is that airline ticket you charge on your personal card going make it into your expense report? Unless you get an awesome deal on an airline ticket, it's going to be over $25. You're going to have to supply some kind of receipt or boarding pass based on my experience inputting any expense over $25.

I'm talking present day expense system, not fox, not when we used to fax or comail reports in. Current reality.

As to the pre-purchase scenario, it that works, great. How long ago did you do that?

Yes, you put it in as an OOPE, no big deal. And you upload the receipt from the airline, not the boarding pass. The expense report system says, "Faxed/Scanned Boarding Pass or Ticket Receipt Received ," however I submitted a boarding pass once and it wasn't acceptable, they wanted the receipt.

The last time I did it was in May of this year. No problem. OOPE, receipt supplied, paid back. Never had an issue for this, there is nothing untoward or unethical about it. I would be happy to PM you that part of my expense report if you'd like to see it in print.

Nowhere in my post did I say you didn't need a receipt, only said the only time a boarding pass is required is if you use your personal card. Then went on to elaborate that I use the company iPad to document/upload directly into our expense system.

As to why...what if my company card is stolen or compromised. Could very easily find myself in a situation where using my personal card is required. Contract permits personal card use if necessary

You don't need the boarding pass. It is not required. Have you ever been asked for it? It is receipt or boarding pass required....however, good luck just sending in your boarding pass.

I agree with access to the company card being an issue. Sometimes I've had to purchase and just not had the company card available. Maybe my auditors just don't think I'm doing anything wrong (because I'm not), but it has not been a problem.

I think there was a time when supplying the boarding pass was required when using a personal card to prove that you didn't buy the ticket, get a receipt and then get a refund for the ticket on your card and not fly on the flight. Believe it or not, but we have had pilots cheat the company in the past.

I see the distinction now, Kronan. Thanks for the correction.

First off, I'm not accusing you of anything shady.

The only thing I'd like to point out with respect to the last several posts on this topic is that there are specific and binding directives in our CBA pertaining to this. IMO, the CBA carries more authority than something that might have been in the FAQs of the Fox expense report system (and no longer exists), an Insite report/FAQ or the interpretation of the "auditor du jour". I think everyone can agree that the legalistic nature of recent management-pilot disputes and the appearance of Appendix S are not portents of a willingness to let things slide (should one find themselves having to answer pointed questions).

So I submit the following:

8.A.6.a. A Company designated group or department shall be utilized for purchasing all deadhead tickets, except when:
i. the Company cannot purchase a ticket for a lower fare than the pilot can purchase himself; or
ii. the pilot must purchase the ticket himself to prevent delay to FedEx flight operations.

b. If a pilot does not purchase his deadhead ticket using the Company’s travel vendor, he shall use the Company issued Travel Card to purchase such ticket. In extenuating circumstances, a pilot may contact the Company to arrange a pre-paid ticket, or he may buy a deadhead ticket by other means, if necessary to prevent delay to FedEx flight operations (e.g., carrier won’t take the credit card, Travel Card unavailable)


8.C.4. Limitations on Deviation Expenses



The following limitations apply to deviation expenses:
a All deviation expenses shall be paid for using the Company issued Travel Card, unless:


i. the vendor will not accept the card; or
ii the vendor has rendered both authorized and unauthorized deviation expenses, and refuses to allow the pilot to pay for authorized expenses with the Company Card and for unauthorized expenses in another manner………




8.C.5. Reporting Procedures
a. Any time an expense is charged to a Company-issued Travel Card, a deviation ticket is purchased, or a deviation expense is incurred, an expense form shall be submitted, with appropriate original receipts (or electronic reproduction thereof). Boarding passes are required for tickets purchased with personal funds.

Purchasing a ticket months in advance that later happens to coincide with company approved travel using one's personal credit card is a pretty unique situation. I'm happy that worked out and the auditors didn't have a problem with it. I only post the above to point out that the practice appears to be contrary to the requirement that we purchase deviation tickets with the company travel card. I doubt anyone would interpret the situation as "extenuating circumstances" (like a lost card). It's also possible that a regular practice of using one's own credit card for large purchases like airline tickets might be construed as an attempt to earn additional benefits via whatever program the card offers.

The CBA is also equally specific that boarding passes are required in that situation. I interpret that passage as an additional requirement to a receipt since it's specifically addressing purchasing the ticket with personal funds (for the reasons Walrus mentioned).

Again, I'm not trying to make any accusations. I doubt most of us have read and retained the contract cover to cover, so I'm just trying to point out what our actual written guidance says. Folks (especially our new arrivals who might be reading) can use that info as they see fit.

Don't worry, Alderdriver, I didn't think you were accusing me of anything shady. It's all good:D.

I also wouldn't want to give out any bad information to newhires, I was just saying how this worked in practice. I have found it helpful in the past to call the auditors and ask questions. There are some things that are still in the contract that probably haven't been looked at or updated for years.

I'm not sure how one could use the company card to purchase tickets months in advance. I guess when you had to associate a ticket, and couldn't, you could have them deduct it from your pay, and then resubmit it later....but that sounds like a confusing hassle. And sometimes you can save thousands by purchasing the ticket in advance.

I suggest if someone wants to get a ticket in advance and has a question about it, to email their auditor and get the guidance in writing. I would hate for someone to be on the hook to pay back a ticket.

Calling is one thing..... getting someone to answer is a totally different story. :D Although, I think in the case of asking for guidance on such matters, an email that can be saved and provided as support for actions taken is probably wiser than a phone conversation, IMO.

I think that's the problem..... the CBA and current procedures don't really allow for that option.

Due to an expected DH and limited seats, I just tried to get GT to buy me a ticket early (with no trips assigned yet) and they wouldn't do it. They have been directed not to allow it. So, preemptively buying a ticket for an unknown but expected future trip seems like it falls into the same category.

While some folks may have the seniority to plan that far in advance, I think we're talking about a small minority. Even so, using the travel card to purchase a ticket months out, tying up company funds on a non-refundable purchase for a trip that one may or may not fly due to the vagaries of bidding, sick, training bumps or revisions doesn't really seem like it would fly. Using a personal card to do the same thing clearly doesn't fall into the extenuating circumstances category, IMO.

If you can get written guidance indicating this option exists, I'm sure the minority would appreciate it. Personally, I'll believe when I see it.

I don't think you need seniority to plan in advance. You just try to bid or pickup a trip the month in the timeframe that will make it legal to cover your airline fare. Hopefully you will have the bank. It doesn't always work out, of course, and then the ticket comes from your own funds. I'm sure there are commuters that are way more versed in this, as you can save so much money purchasing advance super saver tickets. I doubt the company is adverse to people saving them thousands of dollars:eek:

But to reiterate, I don't want any of you newhires reading what I wrote and potentially not getting an expected ticket reimbursed. This is my experience, I didn't even think it was an issue.....however, be safe and get it in writing like Alderdriver suggested. God knows, I don't want my advice to cost anybody money!:(

Here's a different perspective of what I think busdriver12 has been trying to say?

When I want to know if the Expense Report folks will agree with what I want to do I email them making clear that I haven't done it yet. If they agree with me I attach a copy of their email to my expense report.

I figure that it's not likely that they will put themselves on report. I haven't had it fail yet. If you have spare time in MEM you might drive over there and introduce yourself.

I bet they'd like to meet a real FedEx pilot?

https://www.amazingjokes.com/img/201...44f003_Dog.jpg

Missed it by that much...
 

Hey Walrus, speaking of being cheated. Got a DH leg next month from DXB-PVG on Cathay Pacific. Baseline and Established fare, just a little over $2000. Got the receipt today from Global, ticket price was $6,747.40. I thought this new TA was supposed to keep these clowns from playing these stupid reindeer games, but as far as I can tell it's like the old Who song. "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!" If I wanted to deviate I guess I could sit in the underbelly with guy and his chicken in his lap strapped to floor.

I would say, stick it to the man and go as scheduled. Not really sure what your point is. Cathay is a good ride. If you would rather fly Emirates you can probably beat the $2000 and save yourself the long walk underneath the runways. Emirates does have a better lounge. On the other hand, Cathay is American miles.

I hope you're kidding.






.

Cathay does equal American
 

I guess my point is that the established fares that the company is putting out are a hot pile of cow dung. That would be my point.

Tony "Feel Good" C
 

Well, that's what the union told me. They wouldn't lie about anything would they??????????????

My perfectly crafted plan was foiled by a new Uber driver who seemed to have started the meter when she was on the way to pick me up and not at pickup....as a result I am $2.50 over my alloted bank for August.:eek:

On the expense report it asked if I want to roll hotel bank to cover the deficit...which I do not want to do because I have plenty to roll in from previous months. My question is...How do I allocate from previous months to cover the $2.50?

Thanks Postal

On a side note...the 40%, $5 tip on the Uber ride was paid with no questions asked. Maybe because I was over a grand in the black for the month when it was all said and done. Who knows, but I will be sticking with 15-20% max from here on out.

If you have some money in your DBA from last month or will have some next month the $2.50 will magically be covered. They may withdraw it from a check and then pay it back, but do not use hotel funds to cover it.

Very true. I just got a crew notification that over $400 will be payroll deducted even though I have 4 times that available in DBA from the following month (report also closed). The system even shows the exact amount being transferred from the surplus to cover the deficit yet they still plan to payroll deduct and then pay me back. Certainly an imperfect system to say the least.

From what I've experienced, since the DBA is automated, the only time you need to get involved now is if you want to use hotel cancellation funds. That usually requires an Insite report. In my opinion, in most situations it's probably not wise to use the prompt at the bottom of the expense report for hotel funds. I say that because once they're used you can't reverse that. If you have total SA on your travel bank situation in past months and more importantly the next month, then go for it. Otherwise, it's probably better to wait and see what the month after your deficit month brings in terms of deadheads, revisions, etc. since those may result in a DBA that can be applied backwards.